Residents to officials: Don't destroy our desert

LUCERNE VALLEY • Residents of “ground zero” were invited to speak about the solar and wind farms springing up in their community. Speaking up is exactly what they did — and then some.

“We work here, our children grew up here, and our lives are here,” said Dennis Morrison of Lucerne Valley. “This isn’t going to happen without a fight.”

The three-hour meeting, which was held in the Lucerne Valley Elementary School multi-purpose room, began with an invitation for all to participate.

“This is your meeting,” said Chris Carrillo, deputy chief of staff for Third District Supervisor James Ramos. “Your two county supervisors fought for this meeting.”

Carrillo, who later called the event “an historic meeting,” credited Ramos and First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood for working together to ensure that their constituents have a voice in the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan process.

Proponents say the DRECP will conserve and manage natural resources while allowing for compatible renewable energy projects. Two years ago, Gov. Brown signed into law a requirement for California to use renewable energy for one-third of its energy usage by 2020.

Lovingood noted it may be the first time ever that two county supervisors have joined forces on such an important issue in the High Desert. And Ramos agreed.

“We’re all working together to make sure your voice is heard,” Ramos said. “Our job is to listen and be advocates for you.”

A number of officials were on a panel designed to provide information and answers to an assortment of questions about the DRECP, which when finalized will serve as the framework for renewable energy projects in the Mojave Desert.

The top official present was Karen Douglas, who was appointed to the California Energy Commission by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008. She was reappointed to a second five-year term by Gov. Jerry Brown.

“I’ve heard people say, ‘Is this too late’? It’s not too late. We expect a lot of dialogue, a lot of debating between a lot of parties.” The DRECP is expected to take several years to finalize.

While the majority expressed concern about the DRECP and the possibility of more industrial-grade renewable energy projects, a few spoke in favor of large projects.

Mike Roddy, a contractor in Yucca Valley, said the recent solar moratorium has hurt the area economically.

“I think this kind of opposition has been devastating,” Roddy said.

But most commenters came to share their concerns.

“We feel like we’re being pushed out and controlled,” said Bill Lembright, a longtime resident of Lucerne Valley. “We don’t want a bunch of new Edison wires coming through.”

“Forests come back, deserts don’t,” said Tara Edwards.

“Solar facilities will have a dramatic impact on the community,” said Brian Hammer, whose 360-degree view of the Lucerne Valley will soon disappear when a solar project is completed.

Newbury Springs resident Dave Wood talked about the solar project across the street from his home. Each solar unit is 47-feet long and 28-feet high, he said.

“What have I gained since they put it in? Blowing sand, and I can’t see the sunset anymore,” Wood said.

John Smith, a retired engineer, asked what will happen when solar technology changes.

“Will they retrofit or walk away from the project?”

Former Los Angeles County resident David Smith talked about falling in love with the Mojave Desert.

“I was one of the guys who said, ‘Who would want to live out there (in the high desert),” Smith said. “Now I’m one of those people who says why would anyone want to live anywhere else? Most people who live here are passionate about where they live and what they want.”

“We’re surrounded by one of the most beautiful places,” said Roger Peterson, a recently appointed member of the Lucerne Valley/Johnson Valley Municipal Advisory Council. “Don’t put ’em (industrial-grade solar projects) here. We don’t want ’em here. We’re offended that you want to take the Mojave Desert and turn it into a sea of glass.”

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